Understanding Medicare

Medicare Made Easy

With all its parts, options and enrollment rules, choosing Medicare coverage can be confusing. Within this video, you will learn what Medicare is, when you are eligible and the ABC’s of Medicare. Click and watch the video to learn more.

Enrolling in Medicare

When you can first enroll in Medicare depends on your birthdate. For most, your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins on the first day of the month that is 3-months before your 65th birthday. Click and watch the video to learn more.

Choosing the Right Medicare Coverage

Making your Medicare decision doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Click and watch the video to learn some of the questions to ask which can help you decide the Medicare plan that works best for you.

A Guide to Navigating Medicare Choices

Whether you’re choosing coverage for yourself or helping a loved one, we created this video to make it easy for you to select the right Medicare coverage for your needs. Click and watch the video to learn more.

The ABC's of Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that covers millions of Americans. In general, you are eligible for Medicare if you are:

• 65 years old or older
• Under 65 years old, receiving Social Security disability benefits and meet certain criteria.

Medicare, administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), has four main components: Parts A, B, C, and D.

Medicare Part A – Hospital Insurance

Medicare Part A helps pay for inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, some home-health services, and hospice care—usually with no monthly premium.

Medicare Part B – Medical Insurance

Medicare Part B helps pay for physician services, outpatient hospital care, and other medical services not covered by Medicare Part A. Medicare Part B is optional and is purchased from the Federal Government for a monthly premium.

Quick Tip: Medicare Parts A and B are known as "Original Medicare".

Medicare Part C – Medicare Advantage

Medicare Part C plans, usually referred to as “Medicare Advantage plans,” are offered by private health care companies. Medicare Part C plans cover all services under Medicare Parts A and B, plus additional benefits such as hearing, vision and dental. These plans often include prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D) as well.

Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare Part D helps pay for outpatient prescription drugs and is available through private health care companies. You also have the option to choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan with or without Medicare Part D prescription coverage. 

In 2024, Part D plans vary; some have deductibles and then copays and coinsurance for drugs. Most Part D plans also have a coverage gap (or “donut hole”) during which the plans may not cover some of the drug cost.Starting Jan. 1, 2025, the new optional Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MP3) program can help some manage drug costs. The max out of pocket for covered drugs is $2,000 per year, paid in monthly payments.

Medicare Coverage Options – You DO Have Choices! 

As outlined above, Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage, is an option that you can chose if you are looking for more flexibility when it comes to your Medicare coverage.